Image: Russell Colvin.

Reigning Supersport champion Cru Halliday has been taken by surprise with his early form in returning to the premier class this season, which now sees him controlling the points in the Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK).

Finishing second overall at Wakefield Park’s second round in New South Wales, the Yamaha Racing Team rider displayed blistering pace all weekend long, landing on pole before lodging a pair of P2 race results.

The New South Welshman declared his desire for winning is strong with two runner-ups now behind him, although he’s adamant he won’t exceed his limits to capture an elusive victory as he endeavours to manage the championship lead in the coming rounds.

“To be honest, I wasn’t really expecting it,” Halliday admitted to CycleOnline.com.au. “I’m with the factory Yamaha team, and they’re putting the right bike underneath me to do it. It’s been a bit of a surprise too, but every time I go out there, I feel better on the bike, and I think going back to the 600 last year really helped.

“I know I can run up there – if you look back, I’ve run up the front in previous races, but I think it’s just more consistent this time and I’m taking a whole new look at it. I think that’s why I’ve been on the box in the first two rounds. The desire to win is definitely there, I would’ve liked to have won yesterday at Wakefield, but Troy [Herfoss] rode unreal.

“Everyone’s out there to get on the top box, and I’d love to clean-sweep one weekend – it’s going to be hard, and the competition is getting harder and harder – we’re breaking lap records. I’m not going to push it and throw it down the road where I can lose a heap of points – the championship is there, and I’m in the right place for it.”

Defending ASBK champion Troy Herfoss (Penrite Honda Racing) reigned supreme at his home round on Sunday, clinching two race wins to position himself just five points behind Halliday in the series classification.